Used 1996 GMC Sonoma Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Sonoma, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sonoma since its last redesign.
Love this truck
jimog01, 10/31/2008
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have 259,000 miles on this truck not 1 major issue. I just put on a water pump last month and the starter has started to act up, I think after this many miles and 13 years these should be wearing out. I have had some suppension problems but that I think is more related to driving on the pothole covered roads in Michigan more than the truck. I don't see any issues coming up that will keep me fromsurpassing the 300,000 mile mark.
Probably should have spent more $
Harold Brownstein, 03/08/2010
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought a 96 Sonoma,4 cyl.,stick for $2,500 (inc. tax & fees) in 6/2009. Shortly after purchase I spent $2,000 replacing the alternator, fuel pump & engine. For a small truck (4cyl) it rides well & has great pickup for a 4 cylinder vehicle. It gets 20+ MPG, maneuvers well & easily holds its own on the interstate. At 70 to 90 MPH it still rides good and is easy to handle. It is mediocre at best as far as blocking road noise. The AC is excellent, the radio (I think it's original) plays well, and there is an extra input to plug in cell phone. Overall, I like it a lot. My wife hates it. She thinks it is too shaky & noisy, but she drives a 2007 E300.
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See all 0 listingsGreat Small Package
bobtommich, 09/13/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Great gas mileage. Roomy interior. Love the 2 tone color of black and blue. Interior has everything in the right places. I've got 123k and have no leaks. Wish it had a CD player and a back sliding window. Signs of head gasket leak but ok now, cause using high mileage oil. Had to replace mirrors on driver's side 3 times and passanger twice due to vibration. Also replaced back window because of rain water leakage after warranty. Thumbs up to Gmc service. They even replaced the mirrors after warranty. Signs of rust at the lower side below extended cab window on both the passanger and driver's side. Very easy to work on. Had to replace the starter once.
Great truck
motor_man2005, 05/31/2007
1996 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This one of the best trucks that I have ever driven. It has plenty of power and with the compact size it can really fly. The design of this truck leaves it open to modification and new looks.
95 Sonoma Ext Cab
Bob, 09/20/2008
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have owned this truck for the last 7 years. Overall very reliable. Over 200,000 miles on it, have changed the starter and the battery once. Replaced the exhaust sytem (cat converter rattles a bit). Transmisson started shifting rough into second. I changed fluid and filter and after a little while, it seems to shift smoother. biggest complaint rusted out above rear wheels and in corners of the extended cab. It had to rust from the inside out, because by the time i noticed it panels were rusted through. I noticed wherever GM puts those rubber plugs that is where the truck rusted.
Reliable Truck! 4cyl manual
Rob, 01/21/2007
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
No major mechanical problems for over 10 yrs! 138K only regular maintenance. Still running and am ready to trade in for another Sonoma. Bought new at $300 above invoice.
Great little truck for 11 years
Jeff A., 07/12/2008
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've enjoyed my 11 years with this truck. It's still going strong with only 61k on it, but I'm going to sell it to an employee who needs vehicle and so I can upgrade. Pros: Smooth ride, good handling, nice cab design, lots of room in the ext cab, decent bed room. Cons: The 4 banger could use a bit more power for hiway conditions. Side mirrors are known to fall off by breathing on them (2 times for me). Stock sound system is pretty bad, but easy to upgrade. Repairs: Easy to work on. In 11 years I've replaced 2 batteries, the a/c compressor, EGR sensor, fan clutch, plus normal wear items like brake pads, drive belt, etc.
good truck
gREGGUY, 10/28/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I like my truck
200K and still going strong
rvoorhees, 05/12/2005
1996 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Not a bit of trouble except a head gasket under warranty. Change the oil every 3,000. One set of plugs, some brakes, and a clutch. Otherwise cheap dependable transportation with hauling capability. A little slow with the A/C on but she still can hit 80.
Nice truck
GMC Sonoma 4x4, 03/10/2005
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had this truck for 4 years and I purchsed it with 79,000 miles on it and I have nothing but a great experience with this truck. I now have over 193,000 miles on it and it runs almost like new. I change the oil every 3000 miles and the ride isn't bad for a truck. The only thing I had to do to this truck was install a new wiper motor which I installed and that's about it. I like how reliable this trucks been and the 4 wheel drive works perfectly.
Put the vehicle down and back away
buy japanese, 03/16/2003
1996 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Wow, Where do I start. I purchased this truck new with only 8 miles on it. I have had nothing but problems. I will just make a list. 2 Head gaskets replaced and now this one is leaking. 12,000m 38,000m. three wiper motors replaced 28,000m. one starter replaced 25,000m. Two clutches and all related parts, throwout, slave,etc. 40,000m 75,000. three sets of universal joints 50,000 80,000 102,000m. Fuel pump went out 80,000m. Had to go back to dealer to have several squeaks/rattles fixed. Lumbar adjustment broke second time I used it. Drivers side mirror broke. Cupholder came apart. Both door speakers quit working.
This is a Mechanic's Truck
David, 01/04/2009
1995 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive with plenty of power for a small truck, even with a 2.2 four cylinder. If you need a truck that you can mod, this truck is compatible with tons of parts, mod kits, and engines. It's an older truck and a GMC, so the exterior metal much thicker than the typical modern truck that dents if you just lean on it. However, you must let this vehicle warm up for about 5 to 10 minutes before you drive it in cold weather or you will break your headgasket, which is a costly repair. If you're low on cash and need a truck, a Sonoma is perfect for you as long as you take care of it, and check your fluids.
love these trucks
franco, 07/06/2009
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
these trucks are fun and great on gas and easy to work on. simple technology and basic design is what I like about these trucks.
I love this truck
Roxy-Ann, 07/15/2010
1995 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This truck in my opinion is wonderful, my grandfather taught me to drive stick shift in this truck and haven't had to replace the clutch yet then I was driving one day and cleaned out a ditch with it at 80 miles per hour and let me tell you I drove that truck right out of the ditch. Now mind you this truck has not been modified or anything just a regular old work truck but the most reliable vehicle I have ever been lucky enough to drive that truck kept me alive. So if anyone is looking for a good truck for a teenage driver this would be the truck for you.
don't really want to part with it...
michael little, 06/29/2002
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought it brand new with 450mi on it, at about $14,500. I religiously have and continue to make the mechanics of the truck running smoothly, using only top of the line grade fluids, filters, plugs, etc. There was a head gasket leak about 3-4 years ago, and had to be completely re-worked, but has had no problems since...in fact, the engine runs like 50,000mi and has recently had a serp. belt replaced. There are minor faults such as the integrity of the body, some of which was fixed(rust), but only by the dealer.I've never seen an accident(even minor)with this truck, and has proven good in the snowy weather(up to 2-3 feet).
151k, so far so good
donw, 06/23/2005
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck 1 year old with 11k miles. It's absolutely dependable. The CD player quit 6 years ago. It needed new brake pads at 18k miles. I switched to NAPA pads, and now am only on the second set since then. The oil cooler line seeps, and has been like this since 50k miles. It's a minor nuisance, and too big of a pain to change due to its location. The engine mounts needed replacement at 150k. Right now I've still got 4500 miles to a quart of oil. Hazard light switch is absurdly fragile, and it's tough to find one in a junk yard. Over all a very dependable vehicle.
Problem child to good citizen
Rwm, 01/13/2004
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my used sonoma with 4,000 miles. Within the first year of owning my truck I visited the GMC dealer for the replacement of my rear axis, starter, carberator, clusters board, various fuses, breaking system, anti-lock breaks, wiper blade motor, leaking hose for air condition system, leaking hose for exhaust system and other minor repairs. My thoughts were that the prior owner damaged the truck before resaling, because after those parts were replaced (free of charge) my truck is running fine.
Built on Wednesday!
Jeff va, 08/14/2007
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
One tough ole bird! Bought the truck in 2000 with 96K miles from my brother. Got 215K out of her before I put her up for sale. Various maintenance items replaced along the way, water pump at 118K, clutch at 126K, alternator at 127K, fuel pump at 179K, radiator at 214K due a cracked tank. Never had to go into the motor. Origional timing chain was still in service when it sold! Truck had tow package with engine oil cooler. I think that and a healthy diet of Amsoil and Mobil 1 greatly contributed to truck's longevity. Would buy another one in a minute!
Tell me it's not so!
Showtime, 01/05/2003
1996 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had this truck for 2 years, and for the most part it had run good. But over time, as the miles add up (118,000 now) the performance just craps out. In its prime, the truck was very very quick, and ive beaten all kinds of cars and trucks with the peppy 4.3 V6. But the transmission is dying, the A/C was dying at the end of summer, the interior has been falling apart, the truck has become a complete dissapointment.
Over life of ownership, not bad at all
Tobais, 03/01/2004
1996 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had some issues with this truck early on. Kept having wiper motor problems, had to replace whole unit for around $700. Turns out it was a recall, so I could have not spent the $$. I bought the truck with 35,000 mis on it in '98, currenlty have 96,500 in 2004 and it runs great. Change the oil every 3000 or so, had a tune up at 85,000 and so far, the only major repair was the wipers! So long term, it has been a good, relabile little truck. Cannot complain at all. Only thing I notice is in very cold winter weather the door locks tend to freeze up, so I have to leave it unlocked then..
Great Truck
I love this truck, 03/10/2005
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I cant say anything bad about this truck. I have owned this GMC for 4 years and now I have over 193,000 miles and still going strong. The 4 wheel drive works perfectly and other than standard maintenance, and the replacement of the wiper motor I havent had any problems. I have the oil changed every 3000 to 4000 miles. I would trust this truck to go from Ohio to California and back without any hesitation. I will definitely be purchasing another GMC truck in the future. I still get about 19 to 21 miles to a gallon on the highway with this truck.
The little truck that could
Charlie, 09/12/2015
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my little truck. I have the 2.2 with a standard transmission. It's great on gas but does lack power especially up hill. I have had no major problems you wouldn't expect for a vehicle with 206,000+ miles. Replaced the starter clutch and a u joint. It has a minor oil leak from the head gasket, and a little leak from the thermostat housing. The rear wheel drive does make it a little difficult in adverse weather with no weight over the drive wheels. The front end components are tight though, and it grips the road and handles like a car on a dry day.
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Good rules over bad
Chip Rheames, 04/06/2019
updated 10/14/2020
1996 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Overall the truck is very reliable, i cruise between Georgia and New Hampshire it's not as powerfull and fast as my car and i do miss that when i need to accelerate. It's a 5 speed 2.2 that once it pass 75 mph it accepts the fuel better. I burn premium fuel, full synthetic oil, top quality wires and plugs and stay on top of the issues, it's a 1996 just turned 199,464 miles there is a tapping (lifter i think) and it just starter sputtering that clears up (hhhhmmmm) just return home (Ga) from Baltimore and nothing adjusted the oil level. Here in Georgia we can not talk or even have our cell phone in hands, so last years i removed that factory system and installed a Pioneer remote control blue tooth usb and more system that thumps and i also added Limo tint that's all after all these years now time to resolve the sputtering and that lifter. PS my last visit for repairs there was 1 plug (3) burning unclean. ( I recently started driving the truck more regular)
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Great little Red truck
Hector, 01/01/2022
1996 GMC Sonoma SL 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased truck late sept 1995 (1996). I Hebe 105000 miles on it. 2021 replaced the clutch and slave cylinder. Also a/c compressor . The truck runs great and tight on the road.
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Don't Buy IT
John co8O, 04/12/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Replaced 3 starters, cooling fan, radiator, 3 fly wheels, Air condition compressor, transmission at 122,000 miles, catalitic converter just to name some of the problems. The driver's seat stop working at 70,000 miles. The vehicle is not built for a large amount of
Worst vehicle I have ever owned
vepj, 08/24/2008
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This truck caught fire at 7500 miles. The wiper motors have been replaced. The transmission has been rebuilt. The engine has been rebuilt. The timing chain broke at 60,000 miles. The brakes wear out every 5000 miles. I used to carry a code reader in the truck because I didn't know when it will pop a new code. And today the starter died again. The a/c went out at 75,000 miles. If my son wasn't a mechanic and my daughter loves this truck, I would have junked it ages ago. I finally gave it to my daughter and bought a jeep. Now I am happy. Don't ever buy this truck.
Great Truck
Shortyross4, 05/19/2010
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My truck is a great one i bought it from my step dad and that was the smartest thing i have done in a while, its been all over the states and i bet it could do it again there hasent been any problems out of it, the only thing i dont like is the fuel mileage i fill it up the first half lasts for a good while but the other half doesnt last but for a couple hundred miles, but i still love her ive raced many vehicles and beat them mine is the v6 vortec it has the power to beat ANY FORD willing to try
Piece of crap
G-Doggy, 11/28/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I hate this truck so much but I can't afford to buy another right now.It has been in the shop more times then I can count,and I always say what else can go wrong I wish I had more space to tell you why I will never buy another GM truck the rest of my life.
My Nightmare
Jason L, 12/09/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.3L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had noting but bad luck with this truck. EGR valve died with one week of purchase. Had to have new ball joints, idler arm, and continual alignments. Still wore tires unevenly. New starter, (2) batteries, universal joints, rear axle developed hum @ 90k. Front axle did not like to disengage when supposed to. ABS died. Had 3 sets of front rotors/pads. I could not wait to get rid of this truck. Body developed unexplainable rust @ 6 years! Leaky oil cooler lines. Leaky heater core. So many repairs I cant list.
Don't DO IT!
MichaelWI, 10/02/2004
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've bought this thing 5 times over in the cost of repairs! The CRV valve in the exhaust was replaced 4 TIMES! Then the trannie went, then 4x4 problems, hen alternator, then A/C, then interior electrical, and now I've blown a frost plug - in SEPTEMBER! The plugs are positioned in the bell housing, it'll cost me $700 to have it fixed!
Peice of Junk
thewolfdog, 03/13/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was nothing but trouble. I was lucky enough to purchase a warrenty when my trans. went out at 50k. Here is a rundown of the problems.. and this is NOT exxagerated. - Trans. Shot -A/C compressor- goobye - Starter (twice) Electrical problems fuel pump -A/C compressor- Goodbye AGAIN cooling fan- cya head gasket- BLOWN PEICE OF CRAP GMC
this is a great truck
Ike, 01/19/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this truck is great but i have the 4 cylinder and it could use a little more power in some situations. this truck is good on gas. comfortable and reliable.
na
Patty, 01/10/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
clean truck well cared for work truck
this is a great truck
ike, 01/19/2003
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this truck is great but i have the 4 cylinder and it could use a little more power in some situations. this truck is good on gas. comfortable and reliable.
Great and Fuel Efficient!!!
James, 02/10/2020
1995 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great little pickup, gets great gas mileage, and tank holds plenty of fuel.
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Great truck
Mannr81, 12/27/2020
1995 GMC Sonoma SLS 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No motor problems in 3 yrs, but did put new clutch in about a yr ago. It's got 225,000 and going strong still.
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kind of bitter
Jdog, 09/20/2002
1996 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Is a 5-speed manual. The transmission went out, was impossible to find a used replacement. A new one will cost me 2500.00 not including labor.
Great little truck!
stevedb, 10/22/2002
1996 GMC Sonoma SLS Sport 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Truck has over 117,000 miles and has never let me down. Made mostly short and day trips. V-6 had great power for passing and hauling. V-6 & auto trans got 22 city and 25 highway mpg (better than L4/Maunal was rated. Only did regular maintenance, no other $$$ were spent. Only complaint ss lack of good lumbar support on seat. I am buying another one now due to the great rebates and my GM Card points.
creampuff sonoma
majorgeneral, 01/15/2003
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
An okay little truck that has served me well. Bought to replace my 81 Silverado. I like the economy and handling or the 4.3 vortec. The auto trans was ruined by a bad torque converter at only 73k pampered miles, too young for that kind of failure and forever ruined my long relationship with GMC. Brakes routinely fail when spindles get wet, owing to crackpot abs system that I despise. Too many relays and such that makes trouble shooting for the shade-tree mechanic impossible. Next truck will be a seventies vintage something, but definitely not GM.
1996 GMC sonoma
Rocky, 07/27/2019
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought one for $1500, spent another $1200 rebuilding transmission over all good running little truck.
I stole it for a small fee
Preston Froelick, 06/28/2016
1996 GMC Sonoma SLE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.2L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Its well worth the money spent.
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